Sampling apparatus for material collection

ABSTRACT

An apparatus to collect a sample of material has a handle with a tubular sample sleeve extending from an end of the handle. The end of the sleeve distal from the handle forms a cutting edge circumscribing a circular sampling region. A plunger slides reciprocally within the tubular sample sleeve between a retracted position and an expulsion position. A user cuts a sample from a source material by engaging contact between the cutting edge of the tubular sample sleeve and the source material. The sample cut from the source is lodged within the tubular sample sleeve. Actuation of the plunger from the retracted position toward the expulsion position displacing the sample from the sleeve.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

[0001]1. Field of Invention

[0002] The invention relates to the field of micro-sampling for thecollection of in situ material such as human tissue, field samples forrelated environmental examination, crime scene sampling, or otherrelated materials or material prepared on a substrate and then sampledsuch as dried blood on a blood card. Sampling regimes are designed toextract a micro-sample from a larger source sample material. Themicro-samples extracted may be chemically analyzed for the purposes ofDNA analysis, nondestructively analyzed by placement on the appropriatespectra generating sample stage or observed under microscopicconditions.

[0003] 2. Description of Prior Art

[0004] Sampling devices are conventionally used to extract samples frommaterials such as paper, cloth, wood, tissues and the like. In onearrangement, a sampling device has a tubular sleeve forming a cuttingedge at one end. A sample is obtained by advancing the sleeve into thesample source. The sleeve may then be gently rocked to separate thesample from the source, thereby retaining the sample in the cuttingsleeve. The sample is then removed from the cutting sleeve using asecond tool in the form of a pick or probe. In one prior artarrangement, the cutting sleeve provides an auxiliary opening extendingalong the length of the sleeve to facilitate removal of the sample. Theextracted sample may then be placed in a receptacle, or may be mountedon a support.

[0005] Removal of sample from the cutting sleeve in either method asdescribed above, presents a number of problems that may affect theintegrity of the sample. Moreover, sample handling may present potentialhealth hazards to the technician working with the sample. The process ofpicking a sample from the cutting sleeve is inefficient and timeconsuming. The conventional methods described above expose techniciansto unnecessary health risks through the handling of sharp cuttinginstruments to extricate the retained sample material from the cuttingsleeve. The sample material can also be partially lost, dropped orcontaminated consequently requiring further sampling or the inability todo further sampling.

SUMMARY OF INVENTION

[0006] The present invention is a sample collection apparatus comprisingan elongate handle, a tubular sample sleeve extending from one end ofthe handle having a cutting edge at an end of the tubular sample sleevedistal from the handle. The sampling device has a plunger reciprocallyoperable to displace a sample from the tubular sample sleeve. In oneembodiment, an end of the plunger is linked to an actuator that axiallydisplaces the plunger within the handle of the apparatus. The actuatorcontrols the movement of the plunger through a linkage joining theplunger to the actuator. A sample is cut from a source by the cuttingedge of the tubular sample sleeve. A sample is collected from a sourceby excision from the source as the tubular sample sleeve is urged intocontact with the source. The sample is received within the lumen of thetubular sample sleeve. Once removed from the source, the sampling devicecan be used to transport the sample that is thereby lodged within thelumen of the tubular sample sleeve. The sample is expelled from thetubular sample sleeve by the plunger which is displaceable axiallythrough the lumen of the tubular sample sleeve. The plunger can expelthe entire sample at once, or incrementally to permit sectioning thesample into smaller portions as it is partially expelled from thesleeve. Another embodiment for actuating the plunger is comprised of aspring cover that biases the plunger in the retracted position untilactuation for expulsion of a sample.

[0007] The present invention allows the user to withdraw a sample from asource and retain it within the tubular sample sleeve until needed.Suitable sample sources for this invention include soft materials suchas cloth, paper, wood, films, gels, plant, animal and human tissues, andother sources capable of being cut by a surgical steel cutting edge.Ejection of the sample in increments allows for small portions of thesample to be segmented from the whole of the sample without removal ofthe entire sample from the cutting sleeve. Using this technique reduceslikelihood for inadvertent or accidental cutting and repeated extractionfrom the cutting sleeve. The plunger eliminates the need for directhandling of the sample and reduces the likelihood of potentialcontamination that may require re-sampling of the source. This reducesthe amount of manipulation to be performed by the technician whocollects the sample, and reduces potential risks for contamination ofthe sample or contact between the user and the sample.

[0008] In this invention, the cutting sleeve serves as a cutting tooland as a storage receptacle to retain the sample. The plunger enablesquick, safe and clean removal of the sample from the cutting sleeve.

[0009] Preferably, the sampling device is made from materials that arestable to heat of sterilization. The device can also be used as adisposable tool. The sampling device is particularly suited to bereadily transported either alone or as part of a kit for the collectionand transportation of samples.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

[0010]FIG. 1 is an elevation view showing a preferred embodiment of asample collection apparatus constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the invention shown with the sample plunger in theexpulsion position.

[0011]FIG. 1A is an elevation view of FIG. 1 along section axis 2-2.

[0012]FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus of FIG. 1A takenalong section line 2-2 of FIG. 1A in the expulsion position.

[0013]FIG. 2A is an exploded view of the removable cap and plunger inthe expulsion position on FIG. 2.

[0014]FIG. 3 is an elevation view showing the apparatus in FIG. 1 in theretracted position.

[0015]FIG. 4 is a cross-sectional view of the apparatus taken alongsection line 4-4 of FIG. 3 in the retracted position.

[0016]FIG. 5 shows an enlarged, partial cross section of the apparatusbounded by circle 5 shown in FIG. 4.

[0017]FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of the sample collection apparatusof FIG. 1 being operated to collect a sample from a source on aself-healing, inert mat.

[0018]FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of the sample collection apparatusof FIG. 1 in use to collect a sample from a piece of blotting paper, ona self-healing, inert mat.

[0019]FIG. 8 is an enlarged cross-sectional view of the sample cuttingand collection portion of the apparatus defined by circle 5 in FIG. 4where the apparatus is being used to take a sample of a substrate as isshown in FIG. 6.

[0020]FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of the sample collection apparatusof FIG. 1, where a sample is being ejected into a receptacle.

[0021]FIG. 10 is an elevation view of another preferred embodiment of ansample collection apparatus constructed in accordance with theprinciples of the invention shown with the plunger in the retractedposition.

[0022]FIG. 10A is an elevation view of FIG. 10 along section axis 11-11.

[0023]FIG. 11 is a cross section taken along section line 11-11 of FIG.10A.

[0024]FIG. 12 Shows an enlarged partial cross section of the apparatuscomprising the area encompassed in FIG. 11 by circle 12.

[0025]FIG. 13 shows a perspective view of the apparatus on FIG. 11 wherea sample is being ejected into a receptacle, the plunger being in theexpulsion position.

[0026]FIG. 14 shows an elevation view of another embodiment of asampling device constructed in accordance with the principles of theinvention, having a slide actuator for expelling a sample from withinthe device, the plunger being in the retracted position.

[0027]FIG. 15 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the samplingdevice taken along cutting line 15-15 of FIG. 14, shown with the plungerin the retracted position.

[0028]FIG. 16 shows a plan view of the embodiment of the sampling andcollecting device of FIG. 14, where the device has been rotated aboutits longitudinal axis by 90 degrees, and with the plunger and the slideactuator shown in the expulsion position.

[0029]FIG. 17 is an enlarged view of the portion of the FIG. 15 definedby circle 17.

DESCRIPTION OF THE PREFERRED EMBODIMENT

[0030] Referring to FIGS. 1 and 1A, a preferred embodiment of a samplecollection device constructed in accordance with the principles of theinvention is shown. A handle 110 has a tubular sample sleeve 120extending from one end of the hand 110 indicated by 113. The exteriorsurface of the handle may include a plurality of ridges 111 to provide abetter gripping surface for the user. There is a plunger 131 shown herein an expulsion position, where the plunger 131 extends past cuttingedge 150 of tubular sample sleeve 120.

[0031]FIG. 2 and shows a longitudinal cross-section of the device takenalong cutting line 2-2 of FIG. 1A. A linkage 130 connects plunger 131 toan actuator, shown here as cover 220, which axially reciprocates plunger131 through the lumen of sleeve 120 between an expulsion position, asshown in FIGS. 1, 1A and 2, and a retracted position as shown in FIGS. 3and 4. The retracted position has plunger 131 positioned within theapparatus and preferably within tubular sample sleeve 120, whereas theexpulsion position has plunger 131 positioned outside of tubular samplesleeve 120, extended past cutting edge 150.

[0032] The cover 220 can have an inner diameter that is equal to orslightly larger than the outer diameter of the first end 112 of thehandle 110. The cover 220 is used to activate the plunger 131 and canform a seal with the first end 112 of the handle 110 when not in use.The plunger 131 can be attached to the cover by various means, such asby linkage 130 within a flange 223 as shown in FIG. 2.

[0033]FIG. 2A is an exploded view of the cover 220 and cover assembly tolinkage 130 in FIG. 2.

[0034] In a preferred embodiment, a grommet 121 and stopper assembly canbe used for retaining the cover 220, linkage 130 and plunger 131attached to handle 110, and particularly for setting the retractedposition for plunger 131 within tubular sample sleeve 120. A grommet 121can be disposed at the upper interior portion of the handle 112,opposite the end from which sleeve 120 extends. Grommet 121 ispreferably made from a material that can be compressed for insertionwithin the handle but which retains its elasticity and returns to itsoriginal size. For example, grommet 121 can be made from soft rubber. Astopper 122 can be attached to linkage 130. When cover 220 is removedfrom handle 110, plunger 131 slides with tubular sample sleeve 120 untilstopper 122 contacts grommet 121, thus defining the range of reciprocalmotion of plunger 131 in the retracted position.

[0035] Referring to FIGS. 3, 4, and 5, the cover 220 mounts onto handle110 detachably, allowing plunger 131 to slide within the length of thetubular sample sleeve 120. The plunger 131 is moved between theretracted and expulsion positions by movement of cover 220 and linkage130, which communicates the axial displacement to plunger 131. Whencover 220 is fitted on handle 110, plunger 131 extends outwardly throughtubular sample sleeve 120 and past cutting edge 150 to the expulsionposition. As cover 220 is removed from handle 110, plunger 131 withdrawsinto tubular sample sleeve 120 to the retracted position.

[0036] As shown in FIGS. 2 and 4, linkage 130 is mounted to the insideof cover 220 and is held in place by flanges 223. Linkage 130 slidesfreely within grommet 121 through aperture 125 of grommet 121. Stopper122 is held in place as shown in this embodiment with a hexagonal screw124. When cover 220 is removed from handle 110, linage 130 and plunger131 can be slid axially through handle 110 away from cutting edge 150 ofsleeve 120. When stopper 122 contacts grommet 121, cover 220 can nolonger be displaced from handle 110, and plunger 131 can no longer movefurther away from cutting edge 150. FIG. 4 shows cover 220 raised fromfirst end 112 so that plunger 131 is located within tubular samplesleeve 120 for removing a sample from a source. Stopper 122 ispreferably positioned so as to prevent plunger 131 from being dislodgedfrom within tubular sample sleeve 120.

[0037] As shown in FIG. 4, 5 and 8, when plunger 131 is in the retractedposition, there is a chamber 160 created within tubular sample sleeve120 so as to permit entry of a sample 40 cut by cutting edge 150 intotubular sample sleeve 120 from a sample source 70.

[0038]FIG. 5 shows a longitudinal cross-sectional view of the area inFIG. 4 bounded by circle 5. Plunger 131 is shown retracted withintubular sample sleeve 120 creating a chamber 160 within the tubularsample sleeve 120 that will be filled by a sample that is to be removedfrom a source. FIG. 6 shows use of the coring device in association withsource 70, which is being cut using self-healing inert support 50.Tubular sample sleeve 120 has perforated source 70 at its surface. Theuser is holding handle 110, and has displaced cover 220, so as towithdraw plunger 131 into the barrel of tubular sample sleeve 120.Grommet 121 and topper 122 are not shown in this embodiment. Cutting ofa sample 40 using inert support 50 is preferred where the source 70being cut is the material to be analyzed, for example, cloth, wood, ortissue.

[0039]FIG. 7 shows a similar configuration as in FIG. 6, except thesource 70 is absorbed on blotting paper 30 or other absorptive materialthat has the sample absorbed on its surface and within themicrostructure of the absorptive material, for example, blood blotted onpaper.

[0040]FIG. 8 shows the same view as FIG. 5 except cutting edge 150 andtubular sample sleeve 120 have penetrated surface 80 of source 70.Cutting edge 150 is located within source 70, while plunger 130 isretracted from surface 80 of source 70. Chamber 160 is practicallyfilled by sample 40 from source 70.

[0041]FIG. 9 shows the ejection of sampled material 40 into vialcollecting receptacle 90. The user repositions cover 220 onto handle 110which in turn slides plunger 131 through tubular sample sleeve 120 andpast cutting edge 150, forcing the expulsion of sample 40.

[0042] In another preferred embodiment, as shown in FIGS. 10, 10A, 11,12 and 13, a spring ejection cover 340 has a cap 334 that engages thefirst end 112 of handle 110, and a spring and shaft assembly that ismounted to spring ejection cover 340 within cap 334. The spring ejectioncover 340 is comprised of an actuator 331, a spring 337 and an enclosure338 for the spring 337, a shaft 336 and the plunger 131. The shaft 336is mounted to the actuator 331 at one end, and is buttressed againstspring 337 at the other. The linkage 130 is mounted on the end of theshaft 336 that is buttressed against spring 337. Linkage 130 can liewithin the coils of spring 337 as shown by these drawings. As actuator331 is pressed into cover 330 by shaft 336, which also compresses spring337 and displaces plunger 130 axially. The spring 337 is also buttressedagainst the enclosure 338 that holds the spring and shaft assemblyagainst flange 333. When the actuator 331 is no longer pressed, thespring 337 returns the actuator 331 and the shaft 336 to the retractedposition, moving plunger 130 back to its first position, within annularcutting sleeve 120. Cap 334 can have an inside diameter that is slightlylarger than the outside diameter of handle 110 and can be fitted ontothe handle 110 accordingly.

[0043] The present embodiments of the invention allow the sample 40 tobe ejected from cutting sleeve 120 in its entirety or in increments. Onecan also eject sample 40 into a collection vial 90 without workingsample 40 free of tubular sample sleeve 120. The controlled ejection ofsample 40 from the tubular sample sleeve 120 allows for small portionsof sample 40 to be cut away from the whole sample by way of scalpelwithout removing all of sample 40 from tubular sample sleeve 120.

[0044] The device can also be sued to sample source 70 resting on aninert support 50, such as a self-healing cutting mat. Because the deviceis rotated with downward pressure, it cuts the source 70 with thecutting edge 150 of tubular sample sleeve 120, into inert support 50, sothat inert support 50 forces sample 40 into tubular sample sleeve 120.The collected sample 40 is then retained in the tubular sample sleeve120 until such time when it is displaced therefrom by actuation of theplunger 131.

[0045]FIG. 11 shows actuator 331 mounted within cover 330, which in turnis mounted on handle 110. FIG. 12 shows a magnified view of the crosssection of spring ejection cover 340. Attached to actuator 331 is shaft336, which is mounted to actuator 331 at flange 335. When actuator 331is pressed by the user, flange 335 contacts opposing flange 333 withinthe cover, thus limiting the motion of actuator 331. As actuator 331 ispressed, shaft 336 slides within opposing flange 333 and spring 337contracts against enclosure 338. As shaft 336 moves axially withinhandle 110, linkage 130 is similarly engaged and also moves axiallythrough handle 110. When actuator 331 is pressed inward onto cap 334,shaft 336 moves axially towards tubular sample sleeve 120, and in turnforces linkage 130 to move plunger 131 through tubular sample sleeve 120towards cutting edge 150. When actuator 331 is moved through itscomplete range of motion, and spring 337 is at its most compressedpoint, linkage 130 should extend past cutting tip 150 outside of tubularsample sleeve 120 in the expulsion position.

[0046]FIG. 13 shows sample 40 being ejected into collecting vial 90 bythe pressing of actuator 331. This embodiment of the invention can beused as shown in FIGS. 6 and 7, for example.

[0047] Referring to FIGS. 14, 15, 16 and 17, an embodiment of theinvention is shown where plunger 131 is movable between a first positionwhere plunger 131 is within the apparatus (the retracted position) andwhere plunger 131 extends past tubular sample sleeve 120 and cuttingedge 150 (the expulsion position). The plunger 131 is moved betweenthese two positions using sliding arm 441, the actuator in thisembodiment, which attached to stopper 442 on linkage 130, sliding arm441 extending through opening 445 on handle 110. Opening 445 ispreferably located at a position approximately central among pluralityof ridges 111 used for gripping the apparatus, and has a length in theaxial direction of handle 110 that is sufficient to allow sliding arm441 to move plunger 131 between the retracted and expulsion positions.Stopper 442 is mounted to linkage 130 along its length, preferably atthe end of linkage 130 opposite the plunger 131. Sliding arm 44 movesbetween a first position and a second position within opening 445, thefirst position of the sliding arm 441 corresponding to the retractedposition of plunger 131, and the second position of the sliding arm 441corresponding to the expulsion position of plunger 131.

[0048] Referring more particularly to FIGS. 15 and 17, sliding arm 441is mounted to a stopper 442, which in turn is mounted to linkage 130.Biased against stopper 442 is spring 443, which is mounted betweentubular sample sleeve 120 and stopper 442, around linkage 130. Spring443 biases plunger 131 and sliding arm 441 in the retracted positionuntil moved into the expulsion position by a user seeking to expel asample. Spring 443 also keeps plunger 131 in alignment with tubularsample sleeve 120. The plunger 131 can be moved to positions between thefirst and second position for gradual expulsion of a sample from withinthe tubular sample sleeve 120.

I claim:
 1. An apparatus to collect a sample comprising: a handle; atubular sample sleeve depending from the handle forming a cutting edgeat an end remote from the handle; a plunger slidably disposed within thelumen of said tubular sample sleeve reciprocally movable between aretracted position and an expulsion position; a linkage that joins theplunger to an actuator means so that the actuator means can translocatethe plunger using the linkage; and actuator means operable to actuatesaid plunger between the retracted position and the expulsion position.2. The apparatus of claim 1 wherein said actuator means comprises acover affixed to the said linkage.
 3. The apparatus of claim 1 furtherincluding biasing means to bias said plunger into said retractedposition.
 4. The apparatus of claim 2 where the actuator means is asliding arm located along the axial length of the handle coupled to saidplunger.
 5. The apparatus of claim 1 having a grommet inserted withinthe first end of the handle through which the plunger passes, and astopper mounted to the plunger such that the stopper contacts thegrommet when the plunger is located in the retracted position,preventing removal of the plunger from the hollow body of the handle. 6.The apparatus of claim 2 having a grommet inserted within the first endof the handle, through which the plunger passes, and a stopper mountedto the plunger such that the stopper contacts the grommet when theplunger is located in the retracted position, preventing removal of theplunger from the hollow body of the handle.
 7. The device of claim 3having a grommet inserted within the first end of the handle, throughwhich the plunger passes, and a stopper mounted to the plunger such thatthe stopper contacts the grommet when the plunger is located in theretracted position, preventing removal of the plunger from the hollowbody of the handle.
 8. The device of claim 4 having a grommet insertedwithin the first end of the handle, through which the plunger passes,and a stopper mounted to the plunger such that the stopper contacts thegrommet when the plunger is located in the retracted position,preventing removal of the plunger from the hollow body of the handle. 9.A sampling device comprising: a handle and a spring ejection coverdepending from the handle, the handle having: a hollow body; a first endthat engages a spring ejection cover; and a terminal end into which ismounted one end of a tubular sample sleeve having a cutting blade at anopposite end to that mounted to the terminal end of the handle; and thespring ejection cover having: a cap that engages the first end of thesaid handle; a spring and shaft assembly having an actuator, a shaft, aspring and an enclosure, said actuator moving from a released positionto a compressed position, the actuator connecting to the shaft at afirst end of the shaft, the shaft engaging the spring at a second end ofthe shaft, and the shaft connecting to a linkage at the second end ofthe shaft; the linkage connecting to a plunger at the end of the linkagethat is not connected to the shaft; the spring ejection cover moving theplunger between a first position and a second position, whereby theactuator is moved from a position where the spring is extended againstthe shaft to a position where the actuator moves within the sleeve ofthe spring ejection cover, the actuator moving the shaft to compress thespring against the enclosure and the shaft moving the plunger to thesecond position, and upon release of the actuator, the spring forces theshaft and the actuator to their original positions by extending to itsoriginal shape, moving the plunger with the shaft to the first position,the first position being a retracted position located where the plungerdoes not pass through the length of the tubular sample sleeve past thecutting blade, and the second position being an expulsion position wherethe plunger is forced through the tubular sample sleeve and past thecutting blade.
 10. Any of the devices of claims 1 through 9 where themovement of the plunger can be effected in small increments.
 11. Amethod of extracting a sample from a soft source using a sampling devicewhere the source is cut by a cutting blade of a tubular sample sleeve,the tubular sample sleeve being mounted to a terminal end of a handle,the tubular sample sleeve holding the sample until a plunger is actuatedto expel the sample from the tubular sample sleeve, the plunger beingcontained within the sampling device and being actuated from a first endof the handle opposite the terminal end of the handle, the plungermoving from a first position to a second position, the first positionbeing where the plunger is predominantly or entirely contained withinthe handle, and the second position being where the plunger passesthrough the tubular sample sleeve and past the cutting blade, expellingthe sample.
 12. The method of claim 11 where the plunger is actuated byremoval and replacement of a cover at the first end of the handle, theplunger being fitted to the cover.
 13. The method of claim 11 where theplunger is actuated by a spring ejection cover comprising: a sleeve thatengages the first end of the handle; a spring and shaft assembly havingan actuator, a shaft, a spring and an enclosure, said actuator movingfrom a released position to a compressed position, the actuatorconnecting to the shaft at a first end of the shaft, the shaft engagingthe spring at a second end of the shaft, and the shaft connecting to theplunger at the second end of the shaft through a linkage; the springejection cover moving the plunger between the first position and thesecond position, whereby the actuator is moved from a position where thespring is extended against the shaft to a position where the actuatormoves within the sleeve of the spring ejection cover, the actuatormoving the shaft to compress the spring against the enclosure and theshaft moving the linkage which in turn moves the plunger to the secondposition, and upon release of the actuator, the spring forcing the shaftand the actuator to their positions by extending to its original shape,moving the plunger with the shaft to the first position.
 14. The methodof claim 11 where the plunger is actuated using a sliding arm mounted tothe linkage which is connected to the plunger, the sliding arm extendingat its free end through an opening on the handle, the plunger beingbiased in the retracted position by a spring abutting against a stoppermounted to the linkage on one side of the spring, and abutting againstthe internal surface of the terminal end of the handle on the other sideof the spring.
 15. The method of any of claims 11 through 14 where themovement of the plunger can be effected in small increments.